Test Run

Today I fitted everything we are taking to Turkey onto the Harley and we went for a test run. I certainly noticed the extra weight, but it was not a problem even with my still not fully recovered foot. Performance wise there was no problem at all, the luggage all stayed where it should, there was no slippage, and the bike handled perfectly on a variety of roads, conditions and speeds.

Getting out of London was a pain, something had turned the A40 and the A312 into carparks, but eventually, with the help of a short section of slow but moving M4, we got onto some nice Berkshire and Oxfordshire roads winding through the Chilterns. We ended up in Oxford, dropped into the local HD dealership, but didn't buy anything, and then came home by the A40 and a short section of the M40 around Wycombe.

It was a good day out.

Some pictures







Yes, this everything for 4,500 or so miles.

I still can't believe it! I packed for 10 days on my classic and barely had room for tooth brush (wife had all of tour pack & 1 saddle but still) Looks like a good beginning for you guys Good Luck!!

when i left alberta , had some tools leathers, 3 t shirts 2 pairs of jeans, ha wash n wear. wash in the tub or shower, hang to dry overnight, pick out the driest and wear it.

Exactly. Check into hotel, sling smelly clothes in the shower, have shower, tread on clothes, wring, hang up clothes to dry. We are going to be in the south, it will be hot, so clothes will dry fast, overnight is not going to be a problem.

One saddlebag has bike maintenance stuff, rain gear, the bag the detachable windshield fits into, spare gloves, so biker stuff. The other saddlebag has half the clothes. The roll has the rest of the clothes, plus the electronics, EPC, Sony Reader, cables, chargers etc. The bag hanging off the roll has light shoes, a wash bag, and a few other light bits, is secured with a cargo net, and doubles as a day bag for when we are not on the bike. The small bag on the windshield has travel documents, insurance, passports, cellphone, glasses, sunscreen, etc.

Many items double up, for example, Cellphone is also a 7.2 digicam and GPS device. Riding boots are also sturdy walking boots. Riding jacket is light jacket for the odd cool evening.

It is a real tight squeeze, but it all fits. Just. It has to last the two of us for four and a half weeks. Liquids such as shampoo and detergent may need to be topped up as we go but that is not a problem.

That's all you've got ?! Have a great time. 2 friends and I did a 4100 mile 2 yrs ago and are planning a 3K mile ride in August. No hotels though. We camp at KOA's, State parks and any cool place along the way. A coupla pans, a small propane camping stove and everything we can carry makes for a fantastic experience. Now if I can figure out how to make money doing this, I'd be in Heaven. Take pictures.

Be assured there will be pictures of the trip, probably not directly on here but I'll give you guys the url of where. Most likely our travelblog. I'll confirm where before we leave.